The presented explorative research focuses on the phenomenological relationship and emotional impact of light within architectural spaces, grounded in a pilot study and literature review. Serving as the foundational framework for a Ph.D., this study aspires to decipher the role of light in Emotional Architecture - a term introduced by the German artist Mathias Goeritz in his 1953 architectural manifesto crafted in Mexico. This multidimensional pilot study employs experiential observation and structured interviews, complemented with qualitative and quantitative documentation, all anchored by literature-based insights. Set in the Barragán House, which served as both the studio and residence for the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán since 1948, the study endeavours to elucidate how architectural nuances - like form, materials, colours, and arrangements - affect lighting conditions, subsequently shaping human emotions and experiences. Through twenty-two interviews, the research captured perceived atmospheres and the inherent intentionality of affordances in architecture, revealing a strong correlation between spatial impact on observers and light-related experiences. The interplay between these elements suggests a compelling avenue for implementing Emotional Architecture conducive to both individual and societal sustainable development.

How can contemporary light art installations impact the sensorial perception of the urban context to modify and reinterpret urban space? In Robert Irwin's words, how can they provide "...an extended way of looking at the world"? In this paper, we examine how temporary light installations may impact the public realm by modifying citizens' perceptions of moments in the city: a habitual urban passage is interrupted with a temporal experience, changing the way the urban space is experienced. We explore how site-specific light installations create unique intersections of audience and spatial perception through the artists' intent of creating new urban atmospheres through an experiential layer added onto the urban fabric during light festivals. To do so we analyze and discuss two light installations that we designed and executed, which were shortlisted for the 2022 [d]arc awards. Both projects took part in larger urban light festivals and were located within urban passages. "Reflecting on Troy"[Author 1 - Troy Glow Light Festival] created a temporal light graffiti in an urban alley, while "Riddle 102"[Authors 2,3 - Nobel Week Lights], a dynamic lighting installation in a 231m pedestrian tunnel, created an immersive environment that alters the perception of the tunnel's physical dimensions. Through reflections, as well as visitor and curator reviews, we unpack the intent and impact of the works on the perception of the urban context. We discuss and analyze the similarities and differences between the two urban settings, identify the design processes and principles pertinent to site-specific light installations [materials, lighting fixtures, testing] and address the impact darkness and over-lit spaces have over spatial perception. Lastly we discuss the impact a temporary light installation may have on the collective memory of the city, perceived in person or online.

Traditional inspections are typically performed manually. They require specialized equipment, which usually is expensive, time-consuming and can often be a source of risk. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) provide an alternative to overcome the challenges of traditional manual inspections. This has been studied as well as the use of machine learning and image analysis algorithms for detection and quantification of damages, in particular cracks. This paper presents a framework for inspections that combines data acquisition, crack detection, and the quantification of essential parameters of concrete cracks. From this method, the width and length of cracks are determined and compared with control measurements to estimate the accuracy of the method. The results show that using the pre-trained network to detect cracks, only a few to no false negatives are obtained. From the images classified as containing cracks, the quantification methodology is performed obtaining measurements of crack width down to 0.13 mm.